EDF to assess Natron Energy's battery tech

July 10 (Renewables Now) - Electricite de France SA (EPA:EDF) will evaluate the battery technology of Natron Energy for potential use in grid storage applications, the latter said today.

Natron, formerly called Alveo Energy, is a spin-off of Stanford University research. It is developing battery technology based on Prussian Blue analogue electrodes and a sodium-ion electrolyte. According to the company, its technology provides higher power density, faster recharge and longer cycle life compared to incumbent technologies.

EDF will test and evaluate Natron’s technology at its battery test laboratories in France.

Stationary storage is becoming increasingly important as the share of renewables on the grid grows.

“EDF R&D and EDF Innovation Lab researchers and engineers in California are seeking innovative and high-performance storage solutions in response to EDF’s growing global storage needs,” said Arnaud Souille, smart grid program manager at EDF Innovation Lab. “Natron has developed a very promising technology which we are really excited to further evaluate and test at our facilities in France,” Souille added.